Let's build something cool!

Meet the MendelMax II a direct descendent of the original self-replicating robot, the RepRap 3D printer. Originally designed at the University of Bath as an opensource hardware project the RepRap has deep roots in the 3D printing world. Here's a nice video on the origins and concept behind the RepRap…

3D printing is a fantastic technology. From the simplest additive or subtractive platforms, each "printer" is a robot with complex electronics, actuators, and tool heads. And they are self replicating (pause for dramatic effect). As I mentioned in this blog before, I'm teaching young adults how to "imagineer" as we…

Stereo Photogrammetry software has documented beginnings of more than 20 years ago. It is, quite simply, the calculation of a three dimensional object or space through the measurement of differences between two photos. Cameras sitting a fixed distance apart sharing a view of the same target take a picture simultaneously…

For those of us living on the 42nd parallel, winter outdoor play is limited to activities that can be fun while wearing seventeen layers of clothing. As such, I'm always looking for sources of entertainment for my little-un's. It's always a bonus when I find one that represents a learning…

Meet Hunter! She is an autonomous synthetic vision robot that determines the exact position of the air vehicle in relation to the drop target, fuses data with IMU / GPS data and calculates the ideal, precise approach path and delivery timing including winds compensation ultimately delivering a 3000lb payload on a…